Chess Club Janwe

For over 40 years now the pieces have been repeatedly placed on the checkered boards creating young talents who battle positively, mind vs mind and strategy vs strategy. Chess Club Janwe was founded in the year 1977. The club's instructor and trainer FIDE Master Mr. Louis Alvin Smith at that time Netherlands Antilles chess champion was asked to teach the local youth the game and sport of chess which led to the founding of the club where classes took place in Sentro di bario Janwe (community center of Janwe) till to this day. Chess Club Janwe resides under the auspices of Curacao Chess Players Foundation and is managed by CCPF's board members.

Curacao Chess Players Foundation

Curaçao Chess Players Foundation (CCPF) was established on 4 November 1988 as a non-profit organization who's main objective is to enhance the standard of chess in Curacao by organizing international and local chess tournaments as well as other events that may contribute to or benefit the local chess sport. CCPF acquires funding through: fundraising events and sponsorship by local (business) entities and the national sports development foundations.
Interested in making a donation or sponsoring one of our chess events? Monetary and non-monetary (e.g products, materials, goods) donations and or sponsorships are welcome. Feel free to contact us so we can discuss how best you may contribute.

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Chess Club Janwe | Curacao Chess Players Foundation Team

Chess Club Janwe is managed in general by Mr. Alvin Smith assisted by Seydi-Salim Moussa and Denzil Philips who also serves in the board of Curacao Chess Players Foundation.

Alvin Smith

Fide Master
​Club Instructor & Trainer | Treasurer CCPF
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Alvin Smith at the age of 18 became the Netherlands Antilles chess champion and has since been the motor behind Chess Club Janwe. Achieving numerous prizes throughout his chess career locally and internationally he may be considered the strongest chess player within the Dutch Caribbean (former Netherlands Antilles) and carries the official chess title of FIDE Master. Mr Smith has instructed many youngsters over the years of which various are Curacao's top local players today.

Seydi Salim-Moussa

Women Candidate Master
Club assistant | Coordinator CCPF
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Seydi Salim-Moussa is one of Curacao's top local female players carrying the title of Women Candidate Master. She has been a Chess Club Janwe member from a tender age who has participated in numerous Chess Olympiads.

Denzil Philips

National Arbiter
Club assistant | Secretary CCPF
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Denzil Philips joined Chess Club Janwe at the age of 15 and has dedicated many years in helping Chess Club Janwe and the national chess federation. Though never pursuing to be a top level player, the experience over the years in the local chess arena has earned him the title of National Arbiter.

Club membership

​​Youngsters from ages 6 - 20 who are interested in learning chess can become a member. No previous knowledge of chess is required, only a positive attitude and the will to learn. Newcomers may attend our club 2 times before deciding to register officially as a member. The registration fee is Fl. 20,- and monthly members pay Fl. 20-.

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Practice & training

​Every Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm club members practice in a relaxed and friendly environment with each other which gives them the opportunity to explore the game of chess and to discover their own abilities and talent. Giving instructions in small groups and individually our we coach the various members in developing their analytical and strategic thinking. Yearly members may take one of 3 sequential exams: Pawn, Rook and King as they advance in which we measure their knowledge and level of skill. Once a member has completed all 3 exams they have completed the foundation in having comprehensive and analytical understanding of chess in order to continue their development at higher levels. We encourage our top level club players to participate in all open tournaments in which they can play against many of the top level adult players to gain further experience.

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Tournaments

Various chess tournaments are organized throughout the year by Curacao Chess Players Foundation and Curacao's national chess federation FEDAKO in which youth players can compete and put their skills to the test. Some tournaments are open to international players to participate, hereby raising the bar in the level of competition.

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​Tournaments organized by CCPF

• All Star Tournament
  Open tournament for local and international players consisting of both an open and youth section.
• School Chess Tournament
  Tournament open for all local chess playing students in which they represent their school.
• Curacao Chess Festival
  Curacao's main international chess event in which chess masters and other top level players participate.

​Tournaments organized by FEDAKO (Curacao Chess Federation)

• National Junior Youth Chess Championship
  Tournament in which local youth players up to age 14 compete for the title of junior youth champion.
• National Youth Chess Championship
  Tournament in which local youth players up to age 17 compete for the title of youth champion.
• National Chess Championship
  Tournament in which both male and female players compete for the title of national champion.
• Women's National Chess Championship
  Tournament in which local female players compete for the title of female champion.
• Blitz tournament
  Rapid chess tournament open for all local players.